BILLERICA, Mass.—EMD
Millipore, the life-science division of
Merck
KGaA, and Proteomics International recently announced a
collaboration for
the validation of biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy. Proteomics
International's 13 newly identified putative protein biomarkers,
which include
proteins involved in inflammation, metabolism and oxidative stress, will be
assessed using EMD Millipore's multiplex immunoassays.
Several of the
biomarkers could enhance the current screening method—a microalbumin test
consisting of a single biomarker in urine—by identifying a
signature of
biomarkers in the blood that could better signify disease prediction and
progression.

"We are very excited to be working with EMD Millipore to
progress our initial discovery of these biomarkers that could improve diagnosis
and
health outcomes on such a large scale," said Dr. Richard Lipscombe,
managing director of Proteomics International.